Showing papers in "Regulated Rivers-research & Management in 1989"

Prediction of invertebrate communities using stream measurements

Abstract: An account is given of the development of a computer-based system for prediction of the invertebrate fauna to be expected at unpolluted sites using environmental features. The variables for use in prediction and the flexibility of the output, with respect to taxonomic level, are demonstrated using an early version of the system which has been tested within the water industry. The practical value for river management of predictions of species, families, and biological indices is elaborated. In addition, the relevance of the system throughout Great Britain for setting target values of a biological index is demonstrated. A new version of the prediction system has recently been developed. It has application over a wider range of river systems and incorporates additional options for prediction, as requested by the Water Industry. Further developments of the system to make it more efficient for operational use are now under active consideration.

Endangered fish species of the danube river in austria

Abstract: The ecological affinity of fish species to different habitat types in the course of their life cycles is investigated in the free-flowing sections of the Austrian Danube. The results point to the great significance of the degree of hydrological integration between the river and its adjoining waters. In the breeding and fry stage, rheophilic species are bound to the river itself, but the preferred zones show great variations according to both fish age and species. A highly structured shoreline is important in providing a gradient of water current and a spectrum of food sources. Regulated embankments are characterized by an extremely reduced fauna with low population densities of eurytopic species. These results give evidence that the conservation of the characteristic species association is incompatible with the planned hydroelectric power dams in the remaining, free flowing zones of the Danube. The importance of the fish fauna as an indicator group for the condition of large river systems is discussed from the conservation point of view.

A review of the effect of river regulation on mayflies (Ephemeroptera)

Abstract: Impoundment and diversion of watercourses for power production and water supply can have profound effects on the mayfly fauna. To explain such effects a species-specific approach is adopted on account of differing habitat requirements and life histories in the order and even within genera. Environmental conditions such as discharge and flow patterns, temperature, food availability, and predation may be changed. This leads to changes in the density and species composition of the mayfly community, especially when there is a hypolimnion drain from reservoirs. Temperature changes below such reservoirs may remove obligatory life cycle thresholds. Prolonged periods of low discharge lead to the dominance of genera, such as Paraleptophlebia, Choroterpes, Siphlonurus, and Pseudocloen, typical of slow-flowing and lentic habitats. The life cycle plasticity and opportunism shown by Baetis rhodani in Europe and B. tricaudatus in North America have undoubtedly contributed to their success in regulated rivers. The life history characteristics of Tricorythodes are also advantageous below dams. The increased growth of periphyton and mosses below many dams favour certain Ephemerellidae, but restrict or eliminate many Heptageniidae. In order to survive adverse conditions, flexible life cycles or a short period of rapid nymphal growth coupled with a long period of egg development, are advantageous.

Sediment deposition in cutoff meander bends and implications for effective management

Abstract: Cutoff bends along modified, stabilized streams often constitute a valuable recreational, ecological, and aesthetic resource. However, their resource value rapidly declines as they fill with sediment, and new cutoff bends do not form to replace them in highly managed rivers. Data from repetitive hydrographic surveys of 20 cutoff bends along four rivers in the southeastern United States were examined using conceptual and analytical models in order to provide a more objective basis for bend management. Bend volume was found to be a log-decay function of cumulative water discharge through the cutoff reach. Regression analyses were used to generate functions to predict the log-decay constant. The log-decay constant varied directly with master stream suspended bed-material concentration and inversely with variables describing the geometry of the upstream entrance of the old bend. Management of cutoff bends should focus on sequencing construction activities and modification of the upstream bend entrance geometry to reduce the quantity of bed material diverted into the bend. Construction of blockage structures to top-bank elevation in upstream entrances of cutoff bends is recommended for systems with average suspended bed-material concentrations greater than about 50ppm. Blockage or modification of entrance geometry of longer bends preserves more aquatic habitat longer than similar levels of effort directed toward shorter bends. Maintenance of a hydraulic connection between the river and at least one end of the cutoff bend is recommended.

Ability of phabsim to predict chinook salmon spawning habitat

Abstract: PHABSIM, part of the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology, was used to predict the spawning habitat used by chinook salmon in a 600 m long section of the Nechako River, British Columbia, Canada. Predictions of the model were compared to the location and amount of habitat actually used by adult chinook salmon in 1974, 1980, and 1986. About 3800 m2 (70 per cent) of the spawning area actually used by the population were predicted as unusable by the ‘best’ prediction, while 87 per cent of the area predicted as usable has never had recorded use. The ‘best’ prediction resulted from using close transect spacing, frequent measurements along the transect, river-specific habitat suitability criteria, and modelling habitat at the fish's position near the stream bottom. Depending upon the spacing of the transects and the habitat suitability criteria used, PHABSIM predicted 210 per cent to 660 per cent more spawning habitat was available than historically had ever been used. Chinook salmon in the Nechako River spawn mainly on the upstream face of dunes, therefore, the assumption in PHABSIM that conditions predicted at the transects remain unchanged upstream and downstream part way to the adjacent transects was false. This assumption resulted in about two-thirds of the correct predictions being made for the wrong reason. The accuracy of PHABSIM's predictions for spawning might be improved by incorporating an index of river bottom topography or velocity gradient into the model.

River fisheries in Brazil: A review

Abstract: Riverine fisheries in Brazil are reviewed. There is a broad description of the environment and the fish, and arguments for the high diversity of fish fauna diversity are examined. The country is divided into five large river basins and the fisheries are described in relation to the main fish species caught, the main gear employed, and the fishing strategies. Exotic species introduction is discussed along with strategies for fish stock management. Effects of dams on resident fish stocks and consequences for the small scale fisheries are discussed and compared with the effects of pollution.

Instream flow predictions and management options for biota affected by peaking-power hydroelectric operations

Abstract: Recent studies on the impact of peaking hydropower have indicated that impacts directly associated with peaking releases can be categorized as those which result from the hydraulic surge during start-up of generation and the chronic effects of frequent flow fluctuations to biota occupying the fluctuation zones. The instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM) was not designed for application to dynamic flows. In order to determine if such an application was appropriate, we chose to conduct exacting habitat descriptions at the unique zones associated with peaking hydropower (degradation, aggradation, and recovery) and combine this information with suitability criteria for the banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae) and stage/discharge records to obtain weighted usable habitat estimates under typical peaking releases. The results demonstrate that habitat declines as the peaking surge passes an area and rises during low flow periods. However, the difficulties in interpretation of the results remain. That is, the biological response (lateral or longitudinal movement or entrainment) as well as the refuge value of certain hydraulic conditions remain to be investigated. This suggests that the present management value of IFIM applied to peaking hydropower is in examining minimum habitat values that occur during the generation cycle and a comparison of gains or losses in the minimum (greatest amount of hydraulic refuge available) WUA estimates under various proposed release scenarios.

Probability-of-use curves applied to brown trout (Salmo trutta fario L.) in rivers of southern France

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to illuminate any environmental preference of brown trout (Salmo trutta, fario) in streams of the South of France and, in this case, to evaluate the reliability of the Instream Flow Incremental Method, suggested by Bovee (1974) for American streams. At various randomly distributed points on five tributaries of the Tarn and Ariege rivers the occurrence of fishes at different stages of development and selected morphodynamic characteristics (velocity, depth, substratum) were observed simultaneously. The presence of fish was checked by using two special electric fishing techniques: (1) casting the anode ahead of the operator for a sudden immobilization of fish; and (2) connecting previously immersed electrodes on the riverbed. Curves have been plotted for velocity and depth parameters in each river at each season by analysing the frequency of appearance of fish at different stages of development in the different habitats. These curves do not vary greatly from one river to the next and the differences between seasons are not very significant. Single curves have thus been plotted by grouping the data from the different series of measurements. The curves obtained for the velocity parameter are very close to those proposed by Bovee and reveal that the fishes have a preference for low velocities, regardless of their stage of development. As shown by the Bovee curves, the preference obtained for the depth parameter is related to the stage of development: shallow waters are much preferred by fry and juveniles but are not greatly frequented by adults. This study seems to confirm the existence of a real environmental preference among brown trout, indicating that the Instream Flow Incremental Method can be used for French 1st category streams.

Serial discontinuities in a Rocky mountain river. II. Distribution and abundance of trichoptera

Abstract: River regulation in the headwaters and middle reaches of the Gunnison River, Colorado, significantly altered distributions and abundances of Trichoptera fauna. Twenty-five species were collected from mainstream samples, with the greatest species richness occurring at an unregulated, rhithron segment above the central reach dams. At sites immediately below the three hypolimnial-release dams and a reregulation dam, species richness was reduced 35–90 per cent and abundance > 95 per cent. Net-spinning caddisflies were the dominant trichopterans at unregulated sites; Arctopsyche grandis in the upper reaches (218 organisms, 586 mg dry mass m−2) and Hydropsyche cockerelli, H. occidentalis and Cheumatopsyche pettiti in the lower river (9041 total organisms, 6621 mg m−2), downstream from the last dam. The observed distributional pattern of low trichopteran densities in dam tailwaters and high hydropsychid densities at sites 60–80 km below the central reach dams is a classic expression of continuum resets and adjustments in response to stream regulation as predicted by the Serial Discontinuity Concept.

The effect of an irrigation and hydroelectric reservoir on its downstream communities

Abstract: The Cernadilla reservoir, located on the River Tera (northwest Spain, Duero Basin) is an oligotrophic reservoir with a capacity of more than 250 × 106m3 and a depth of 70 m. The regulated flow pattern is characterized by higher summer flows, higher day flows than night ones, and lower weekend flows. The effects of this artificial flow regime on the stream ecosystem were evaluated by comparing the aquatic communities of an upstream station with those of three downstream stations, located at 1, 8, and 24 km from the dam. Physiocochemical characteristics of the water, fish and macrobenthic communities, and macrophytes were studied at each station. Summer water temperatures were significantly lower downstream of the reservoir. Macrophyte biomass, macrobenthic diversity, and richness were reduced below the dam. The trophic structure was changed by an increase of shredders and grazers. Fishery total biomass greatly fluctuated seasonally, but was higher above the reservoir than below it. However, in spring the trout populations were higher upstream because large numbers of spawning cyprinids from the reservoir invaded upstream reaches of the River Tera and displayed resident trout populations.

Effects of river regulation on the lower Ebro river (NE Spain)

Abstract: The regulation of the Ebro River in the 1960s has changed the discharge pattern: spring floods have been reduced and, as the reservoirs are used for hydroelectrical purposes, discharge varies daily. The last 50 km of the river have been studied for two years (1986 and 1987). Our main purpose was to establish the particulate organic and inorganic transport of the river and its seasonal changes. Particulate material was sampled in surface and deep waters. Water conductivity ranges between 0.9 and 53 mS, and anoxia is common in summer situations. Particulate C ranges between 1 and 3 mg l−1 with higher values in summer; particulate N is very similar along the year with values between 0.1 and 0.5 mg l−1. Effects of regulation seem to be important in supplying very high nutrient content to algae and producing a high biomass and production in the lower part of the river, especially in summer. Diatoms and Chlorophyta are the most abundant groups. Phosphorus is higher than 5 μmol l−1, with lower values in summer. Most of particulate material is very fine (between 0.45 and 50 μm). The high biomass also explains the presence of abundant filter-feeders, such as Hydropsyche and Ephoron virgo. In some parts, where light reaches the bottom, stones and boulders are covered by Cladophora. In this case, grazers such as the gastropods Melanopsis and Theodoxus are abundant.

Development of habitat suitability criteria for trout in small streams

Abstract: We observed 2863 trout in the wild to determine habitat utilization in small streams of the Kings River basin in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The habitat utilization data were used to develop habitat suitability functions that provide input variables to the instream flow incremental methodology (IFIM) habitat assessment model of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Observations of habitat utilization of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), brown trout (Salmo trutta), and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were obtained during the summer months of 1983 and 1984. The observations were made in small streams with discharges ranging from 0.7 m3 s−1 to 0.03 m3 s−1. The streams are at elevations of 1250 to 2530 m. Equal effort was applied to observing undisturbed trout in all habitat types. Snorkeling proved to be the most effective method of observation. Individual trout of all species and life stages were most often observed in the lower half of the water column, utilizing low-velocity currents of less than 3.0 cm s−1. From the depth and velocity utilization data, several forms of habitat suitability functions were developed and evaluated: 1 Univariate depth and velocity functions derived from frequency histogram analysis. 2 Univariate depth and univariate velocity exponential polynomial models. 3 Bivariate depth and velocity exponential polynomial models. Univariate exponential polynomial models provided the best fit to the data for each species, based on visual comparisons of response surfaces and contour plots, and comparisons of computed sums of squared errors. Bivariate models fitted to the data resulted in greater sums of squared errors than multiplicative aggragation of univariate models, and frequently predicted utilization at zero depth. The habitat suitability functions derived from the univariate exponential polynomial models provided the best input to the IFIM habitat assessment models.

The increasing damming of the Paraná basin and its effects on the lower reaches

Abstract: The development of large impoundments along the Parana river, particularly on the Superior section, with fifteen large dams having a capacity over 25000 MW, has had important hydrological and ecological impacts on the lower reaches. The important retention of the suspended solids by the dams has caused a significant reduction of P concentrations. With river impoundment and water eutrophication, cyanophiceae currently dominate during spring and summer, with brief but dense blooms of Anabaena spiriodes and Microcystis aeruginosa. Many fishes of the Superior Parana have been dispersed downstream as the Itaipu reservoir covered the Guayra falls, the natural barrier for these fishes. The most important effects of Superior Parana dams are related to the changed hydrological regime in the alluvial Middle and Lower reaches. This floodplain plays an important role in the bioproductivity of the river. Fisheries production depends to a high degree on the relationship of the river and its alluvial valley, where the alevines and small fishes of migratory species develop after spawning. During falling river levels the waters carry large quantities of organic matter, floating vegetation, important amounts of plankton and fishes from the alluvial plain to the river. Before the dams, the river defined two subsystems which were joined for about six months during the flood season and effectively isolated during low water periods. Since the commencement of river impoundment and flow regulation, the river ecology has begun a sequence of changes especially within the alluvial reaches.

A study of physical parameters at the spawning sites of the european grayling (Thymallus thymallus L.)

Abstract: An investigation of the spawning sites of European grayling, Thymallus thymallus (L.), in two Swedish rivers revealed narrow range in their physical parameters. The bottom substrate was composed of 10–20 per cent sand, 50–70 per cent gravel ( 10cm in diameter). Eggs were found only where the gravel thickness was more than 5 cm. The depth varied between 30–50cm. Mean depth for 22 different spawning sites was 36cm. The water velocity varied between 23–90cm s−1, average 54 cm s−1. The temperature at the start of spawning was 3.9°C and at the end it was about 9°C. The results indicate the narrow range in physical parameters at the spawning sites. Small changes in the environment caused by regulation of river flow or water level may disturb the spawning behaviour of grayling and cause a decrease in population size or even extinction.

Seasonal variation in the composition of the drift below a peaking hydroelectric project

Abstract: We used 0.5 m diameter nets to sample the drift downstream from a peaking hydroelectric project on the Caney Fork River, Tennessee. The relative contribution of the terrestrial, lentic, and lotic environments to stream drift varied seasonally. Stream benthos (primarily Chironomidae and Lirceus fontinalis) occurred in the drift throughout the year; however, their relative importance varied seasonally. Daphnia sp. from the reservoir also occurred in the drift year round with the highest densities in fall and spring when they were the predominant species in the drift. In summer, terrestrial insects apparently utilized exposed portions of the river bed during periods of no power generation. In June as the river stage increased following initiation of generation, adult terrestrial insects became a major component of the drift. Threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) dominated the biomass in the drift during December. Although the importance of stream benthos to fish populations is generally recognized, the contribution of the terrestrial and upstream reservoir environments to the forage base in the tailwater may also be important and should be considered in developing management strategies for tailwater fisheries.

Changes in urban stream channels in Zimbabwe

Abstract: Although channel change has been documented downstream of urban areas there have been few previous studies which have focused upon the spatial variation of erosion and upon examples of such channel change in tropical areas. In the Avondale stream basin, which includes part of Harare the capital of Zimbabwe the way in which the channel network has evolved from the extensive dambo system in the period 1891 to 1984 is reconstructed showing that drainage density which was initially between 0.35 and 0.80 km km−2 has increased to 3.15 km km−2 including stormwater drains. Characteristics of erosion of the modified urban channels are described and the downstream reaches indicate an average channel widening of 1.7 times involving average rates of bank erosion of 0.33 m per year. Peak discharge is estimated from channel characteristics to be increased to two times former values and it is concluded that channel type and the relationship of channel change to the accommodation of peak discharges requires further research.

The effect of stream regulation on the physico-chemical properties of the palmiet river, South Africa

Abstract: The effect of regulation, by multiple impoundment, on ‘discontinuity’ (recovery) ‘distances’ (sensu Ward and Stanford, 1983) for various physico-chemical attributes of the Palmiet River (a short, steep gradient, cool temperate, acid, low-nutrient system) was investigated. Physico-chemical features were measured monthly, from February 1986 to August 1987, at 11 sites along the river, but concentrating on two zones: one below an upper-reach impoundment, Nuweberg Dam, and one below a middle-reach impoundment, Arieskraal Dam. Median total suspended solids, nitrates, nitrites and ammonium all increased below both dams with varying levels of ‘recovery’. Median spot temperatures, pH and alkalinity increased below Nuweberg, but decreased below Arieskraal Dam, whereas the converse was true for soluble reactive phosphate. Nuweberg had no effect on conductivity and total dissolved solids, while Arieskraal caused a slight decrease. The river remained well oxygenated down its length. Distinct seasonal variations were recorded for: flow rate, with flow reversal below Nuweberg and flow constancy below Arieskraal; temperature, with seasonal shifts and dampening of annual temperature range below both dams; alkalinity, with seasonal shifts below Arieskraal, and nitrites and nitrates, but not for any other attributes. At least partial recovery was noted in all cases, but in some instances, recovery was incomplete to the estuary. The implications of such alterations, for invertebrates, in terms of reduction in habitat diversity as well as for food supply must be considerable and studies are currently under way to determine community structure and diversity.

Effects of river regulation on the structure of a fast‐growing brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) population

Abstract: During the last 70 years, the Norwegian lake Mjosa and its inflowing rivers have been subjected to serious changes due to hydroelectric power development. Regulation of the main inlet river, Gudbrandsdalslagen, started in 1919. The river power station at the Hunder fall was completed in 1964. This resulted in a reduction of winter water flow below the Hunder dam from approximately 26m3s−1 to 2m3s−1, which affected the most important spawning area of the fast-growing population of brown trout, Salmo trutta L. The population was investigated in detail in 1907, 1909, 1961, and 1985, and river growth, smolt age, and growth in Lake Mjosa are compared. Only wild fish were included in the study. The main pattern throughout this period shows an increased river growth rate before smoltification and reduced smolt age. The average smolt age dropped from 4.7 years in 1909 to 4.1 years in 1985, and at the same time smolt size decreased from 26.8 cm to 25.1 cm. Considering the major changes in abiotic factors in the river spawning section, the changes in age structure and growth of brown trout smolt are comparatively small. In Lake Mjosa, increased productivity due to input of nutrients has obviously favoured forage fish such as smelt (Osmerus eperlanus (L.)) and vendace (Coregonus albula (L.)). The growth rate of brown trout in the lake has improved from 1909 to 1961 and 1985, followed by a reduced spawning age. However, due to increased human exploitation the average length of ascending fish (approximately 68 cm) and condition factor ( K = 1.14–1.16) have altered little.

Framework for control of dynamic ice breakup by river regulation

Abstract: : This report describes and classifies the entire range of ice breakup behavior, from the thermal to dynamic, to provide order to this complex process. The theory and model of the authors are refined, building on the concept of an intrinsic relationship between river waves and dynamic ice breakup. A force balance is developed for a common dynamic breakup behavior. Empirical criteria that quantify the resistance to breakup of an ice cover are obtained from a case study and compared with published values. Sensitivity studies of ice breakup with the completed model demonstrate insights that follow from the theory presented and the intuitive nature of the results. This framework for understanding river ice processes provides the option for ice management by river regulation, and we focus on the potential for control of ice breakup. The concept of controlled breakup involves a release of water from a dam that moves the ice downstream of locations with a high potential for damage during uncontrolled breakup. The abrupt, short-duration characteristics of the controlled release, patterned after those of unregulated river breakup, minimize both the volume of water required to cause breakup and the water levels at breakup. The open water created by the breakup collects heat that increases the rate of melting of the ice. The benefits of successful regulation include flooding prevention, minimum erosion, and decreased potential for ice damage to structures during breakup, with out adverse effects on the environment. keywords: Flood control; Ice jams; Ice management; River ice; Unsteady flow.

Biotic and abiotic gradients in a regulated high elevation Rocky mountain river

Abstract: Samples were collected year-round over a one-year period at sites 250m, 500m, 1000m, 2300m, 5200m, and 11000m downstream from a hypolimnetic-release reservoir on the Blue River, Colorado, to examine biotic and abiotic gradients induced by river regulation. The impoundment had only minimal effects on river chemistry and chemical variables failed to exhibit discernible downstream patterns. The temperature regime was markedly altered by regulation and exhibited a distinct downstream recovery gradient. The progressive downstream increase in zoobenthos species diversity is attributed, in part, to the thermal recovery. The average size of mineral substratum particles was greater at sites nearest the dam, although cobble and pebble predominated at all sites. A downstream decrease in bed stability was accompanied by decreased water clarity and increases in scour and ice action. These factors may have accounted for the higher standing crops of periphyton near the dam and a shift from filamentous chlorophytes to a predominance of diatoms with increasing distance downstream. The amount of leaf detritus in the substratum increased downstream. The abundance of shredders, zoobenthic species that feed on leaf detritus, tracked the downstream increase in coarse sedimentary detritus. Spatial patterns of organic seston within the study reach, influenced partly by sloughing of periphyton, are thought to account for the downstream species replacement patterns exhibited within the filter-feeder guild.

Measuring discontinuities in the ter river

Abstract: In this paper a method for measuring discontinuities in the spatial organization of a river produced by disturbances is presented. First of all, a way of doing comparable environmental gradients defined by different variables is proposed. To do so, all the variables have been transformed by means of the equation: Pi' = Pi - Pmin/Pmax - Pmin, as a previous measure of the parametric distances (Pij') between sites. When these parametric distances are plotted in relation to the geographical ones, the distortion between both river images appears as an expression of the changes occurring in each stretch, and the derivative dPij'/dx is a measure of its rate of change. To define a river gradient, we need to calculate the general trend of a variable, using direct gradient analysis. The fit of the results obtained from an undisturbed stretch to an empirical curve for all the river gives us a measure of the expected values for that river. The difference between expected and observed values can be a measure of the discontinuity. The same procedure has been used for an overall environmental and biological data. To this end, the Euclidean distance (ED) and a distance obtained from Factor score of a Principal Components analysis (PCA) have been calculated. Only the second method seems to be of general interest for studying discontinuities. Finally, the results of the first score loadings obtained from PCA of three groups of variables (physical and chemical, physiographical and morphological, and phytobenthic) have been used to do a comparison between the parametric images of the River Ter.

Effects of hydropower development on aquatic macrophytes in norwegian rivers: Present state of knowledge and some case studies

Abstract: A multitude of Norwegian rivers are managed for generating hydroelectric power (HEP). The hydrology of these hydrorivers changes in various ways which reflect the implemented HEP schemes. Increased winter flows and a concomitant lack of ice-cover are features found downstream of power installations on many Norwegian hydrorivers. Our study objectives were (1) to assess the changes in aquatic macrophyte abundance subsequent to HEP development; and (2) to evaluate the environmental conditions under which nuisance growths of macrophytes are likely to occur. Towards these ends, Norwegian literature data were compiled and assessed. Some case studies are outlined showing the variety of situations under which prolific growths of macrophytes might result. Unfortunately, available data on macrophyte-associated problems proved deficient in many respects. This occurred chiefly because most macrophyte studies are conducted either before, or after, an HEP scheme is completed. Evidently, no concerted efforts are made for assessing the likelihood of macrophyte-dominated nuisance growth in the planning stage of a Norwegian HEP scheme.

Observations on feeding relationships between fish predators and fish assemblages in a Mediterranean stream

Abstract: The diet of native and introduced fish predators has been examined in two contrasting localities of a very fluctuating, Mediterranean stream, in relation to fish (prey) assemblage structure. The general patterns of all the species studied (Lutra lutra, Natrix maura, Salmo trutta, S. gairdneri, Esox lucius, and Leuciscus cephalus) seem to be the result of a generalist-opportunist behaviour as their diets reflect the relative abundance of prey (fish) in the environment. The trophic levels are not well defined because of the opportunistic feeding of the predators and are also subjected to environmental changes. Non-competitive dynamics is suggested to operate throughout the trophic web.

Changes in the benthic invertebrate communities of the thomson river, southeastern Australia, after dam construction

Abstract: Benthic macroinvertebrates were quantitatively sampled at four sites, one above (T6) and three (T14A, T16, T21A) downstream of the Thomson Dam, Victoria, Australia, for three summers after completion of dam construction in 1983. Community composition was compared with that recorded previously during dam construction to determine the effects of the main environmental consequences of the dam, viz the input of fine sediment (< 2mm grain size), the temporary release of cold hypolimnetic water during summer, and altered levels of discharge. Unnaturally low summer water temperatures were only recorded at the two sites immediately downstream of the dam (in order downstream T14A and T16). After water temperatures returned to normal summer levels, species richness increased at these sites. Levels of fine sediment increased in the surface layers of the riverbed at T16 but not at T14A. By the time this study began levels at T16 had been reduced almost to pre-dam levels. At T21A levels approximately tripled after completion of construction. At T14A and T16 marked increases in species richness occurred during this study whereas at T21A species richness did not change, and was lower than that recorded during dam construction. Ordination and classification of samples clearly displayed these changes in the benthic communities downstream of the dam and the lack of change at T6 above the dam. Altered discharge resulted in some loss of habitable area and thus total standing stock at T14A only.

Chinook salmon spawning surveys in deep waters of a large, regulated river

Abstract: In 1986 research divers surveyed and mapped deep-water spawning redds of fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in selected sites within an impounded segment of the main-stem Columbia River, Washington State, U.S.A. In velocities over 3 m s-' and depths up to 11 m, two divers riding a manoeuvrable sled made cross-current transects communicating observations of substrate materials and deep-water spawning sites. Surface personnel tracked the position of the sled with a laser locating system that logged the information into data storage. Subsequently, the computerized data were translated into overlaying maps depicting location of redds, substrate materials, and depth contours. Deep-water spawning (>3 m) occurred at most survey sites in velocities between 0.6 and 0.8 m s-l. The average depth of spawning was 6.5 m, and the maximum was 9.1 m-deeper than the depth redds can normally be detected by aerial observation (Sm). Deep-water spawning ranged from none to substantial in areas of near identical physical characteristics. A method for estimating abundance and density of deep-water redds, based upon the data collected with this mapping technique, is presented. This study combined with current limited information concerning deepwater spawning suggests that up to 80 per cent of the escapement of fall chinook salmon in this reach may spawn in deep water.

Trichoptera and ephemeroptera as indicators of environmental changes of the Rhone river at lyons over the last twenty‐five years

Abstract: Systematic light trapping was carried out in Lyon on the banks of the Rhǒne river from 1958 to 1982, mainly in the months of June and July. The changes in the type and abundance of the adult Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera species captured over the last 25 years were studied in relation to the perturbations sustained by the river-and thus by the larval instars. A Correspondence Analysis carried out on the monthly samples defined a first factorial axis which could represent a ‘biological time’ scale characterized by phases of rapid (1959-1974) or slower (1974-1982) change of the faunal communities. Five ‘successive’ faunal groups were defined according to the length of historical presence of each of the 88 species along this axis. The most stenoecic species (faunal groups 1, 2 and then 3) seem to disappear and gradually only a small number of species whose ecological requirements are less demanding (faunal groups 4 and 5) subsist. This faunal impoverishment is a consequence of the increasing uniformity of the biotope caused by continuous environmental changes mainly in flow regulation. This has led to reduction in diversity of the substratum and possible food sources. Regular flush-outs of upstream reservoirs release sediments which clog interstitial spaces over long periods and this effect has been aggravated since 1966 by the bringing into service of a dam situated just downstream from the station. It seems that a new but delicate equilibrium has been reached since 1974; this situation probably corresponds to a less stenoecic biotic community.

Flushing flow recommendations for maintenance of salmonid spawning gravels in a steep, regulated stream

Abstract: A study was conducted to develop flushing flow recommendations for maintaining the quantity of salmonid spawning gravels in the North Fork of the Feather River, a regulated stream in California, U.S.A. This required the development of a technique which would prescribe flows to remove sediments from the gravels without removing the gravels themselves, which are in finite supply in the river. Field studies involved the use of a ‘two-point-are’ procedure which allowed depth, velocity, and substrate measurements to be concentrated over spawning gravels at each site. Measurements were repeated at each site at three different flows ranging from 1.7 to 11.3 m3 s−1. The local velocity and depth measurements were used to evaluate hydraulic conditions within areas containing spawning gravels. Four flow levels were derived which would provide varying degrees of sediment transport and flushing; (1) surficial flushing of gravels; (2) mobilization of gravels; (3) surficial flushing of cobbles; and (4) mobilization of cobbles. Results of the study indicated a flushing flow of 56.6 m3 s−1 occurring as a planned release or natural flow for from 1–3 days would be sufficient to transport sediment from spawning gravels. This flow was intermediate to levels which maximize surficial gravel flushing and levels which maximize surficial cobble flushing.

Long‐term nitrate trends in the river trent and four major tributaries

Abstract: Nitrate levels which have been rising in many British rivers for at least thirty years have become of particular interest since Britain adopted the EC Drinking Water Directive. The literature examining nitrate trends in the rivers of the U.K. and Eire is reviewed. Long-term nitrate concentration trends are derived for eight sites in the River Trent drainage system. These include sites on two rural tributaries, two urbanized tributaries, and the main river. Currently, mean annual concentrations for these sites range from about 4.0 mg1−1N in the rural catchments, to 12.4 mg 1−1 N in the urbanized tributaries, and to between 8.7 mg 1−1N and 11.0 mg 1−1 N along the mainstream. Moreover rates of increase of nitrate concentration of approximately 0.06 mg 1−1 N yr −1 in the rural catchments, contrast with values up to 0.20 mg 1−1 N yr −1 in the two urbanized tributaries and River Trent. Long term nitrate loads have been calculated for the River Trent at Nottingham using a discharge weighted mean interval method. This method probably provides the best available estimate of nitrate loads calculable from irregular data of variable sampling frequency for lowland rivers. Annual nitrate loads varied between 10700t yr −1 and 29 800t yr −1 over the period of record. A rate of increase in nitrate load of 455 t yr −1 was obtained. The increases in nitrate concentrations and loads within the Trent basin are matched by similar rates of increase in other European catchments.

Long‐term effects of navigation dams on a segment of the upper Mississippi River

Abstract: Navigation dams on the upper Mississippi River have altered the long-term relationship of river stage to river discharge. Analysis of the 34-year pre-dam and 74-year post-dam data sets indicated that the completion of Lock and Dam 19 in 1913 increased river width and volume behind the dam. The immediate impact was a higher mean river stage less influenced by changes in river discharge. The dam's long-term impact was to increase sedimentation causing a steady loss of both river width and volume that resulted in stage/discharge relationships approaching those of the pre-dam era. The present condition of higher mean river stage coupled with greater stage fluctuation is a major factor in the increased recurrence and duration of floods on the upper Mississippi River in recent decades.

Serial discontinuities in a Rocky mountain river. I. Distribution and abundance of plecoptera

Abstract: Samples were taken year-round at eleven sites along the altitudinal profile (2900-1400 m a.s.l.) of the Gunnison River, a 329 km tributary of the Colorado River, to document the distribution of the Plecoptera and to evaluate responses to hypolimnial-release dams in the headwaters and middle reaches. Twenty-two species were present, with the greatest species richness occurring in an unregulated segment upstream of the middle reach dams; average nymphal biomass over the study period (175 organisms, 395 mg dry mass m−2) was also greatest in this segment. Only four species (58 organisms, 48 mg m−2) were present in the tailwaters of the headwater dam and values were greatly reduced (nine species; 35 organisms, 180 mg m−2) below the middle reach dams. The stonefly community recovered ca. 80 km downstream from the last dam (15 species; 244 organisms, 250 mg m−2), apparently in response to natural resetting of environmental conditions corresponding to those above the middle reach dams. At the most downstream site (11) only four species (four organisms, 16 mg m−2) were present. The observed distributional pattern is a classic serial discontinuity in response to hypolimnial stream regulation in a temperate latitude river.